State of Vermont

Information for the Public
Healthcare-associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are infections that people acquire while receiving services at a health care facility.

The Department of Health is working with hospitals, long-term care facilities and residential care facilities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to eliminate HAI in the state. Patients, families and consumer advocates are full partners in our efforts to control HAI.

Patients/Residents -
People who enter health care facilities as patients or residents may be at risk for a number of infections stemming from surgical procedures, device insertions and a number of other factors. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk of acquiring HAI.

Families -
Families and friends of patients/residents can play a part in HAI reduction by learning useful prevention strategies. Practicing these simple infection prevention techniques can help reduce HAI risk within the health care setting.

Living with C.diff
C. diff can be a serious condition, but it can be treated. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with C. diff, there are steps you can take now to avoid spreading it to your family and friends.

Living with VRE
VRE is a serious infection, but it can be managed. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with VRE, there are steps you can take now to avoid spreading it to your family and friends.